What demographic has the highest risk of suicide?

From the Guidelines

The highest risk demographic for suicide is American Indians and Alaskan natives aged 19 to 24 years and non-Hispanic white persons older than 75 years. According to the study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1, suicide risk varies by age, sex, and race or ethnicity, with American Indians and Alaskan natives having higher-than-average rates of suicide death. The study also found that the risk among non-Hispanic white persons continues to increase after age 75 years. Other high-risk groups include adolescents, particularly Hispanic females, and individuals with mental health disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.

• Risk factors that compound this vulnerability include:
  • Access to lethal means (especially firearms)
  • Substance use disorders
  • Mental health conditions (particularly depression)
  • Recent personal loss
  • Social isolation
  • Economic hardship
  • Serious adverse childhood events
  • Family history of suicide
  • Prejudice or discrimination associated with being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender Recognizing warning signs such as talking about death, giving away possessions, withdrawal from social activities, and increased substance use is crucial. If you're concerned about someone, direct intervention by asking about suicidal thoughts, removing access to lethal means, and connecting them to professional help through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be lifesaving, as noted in the study 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The pooled analyses of short-term placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and others) showed that these drugs increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18 to 24) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders Table 1 Age RangeDrug-Placebo Difference in Number of Cases of Suicidality per 1000 Patients Treated <1818-24Increases Compared to Placebo14 additional cases5 additional cases

The highest risk of suicide demographic is children and adolescents, particularly those under the age of 18, and young adults (ages 18 to 24), with an increase of 14 additional cases and 5 additional cases of suicidality per 1000 patients treated, respectively, compared to placebo 2.

From the Research

Demographic Groups at High Risk of Suicide

• Certain demographic groups are associated with completed suicide, including:
  • Males 3
  • Divorced adults 3
  • Caucasians 3
  • Older adults, particularly those aged 55 and older 4
  • Individuals with bipolar disorder, with an annual suicide rate of approximately 0.9% compared to 0.014% in the general population 5

Psychiatric Diagnosis and Suicide Risk

• Psychiatric diagnosis, such as depressive disorder and substance abuse disorder, can increase the risk of suicide 3
• Individuals with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of suicide, with approximately 15% to 20% of people with bipolar disorder dying by suicide 5

Life Events and Suicide Risk

• Recent life events, such as interpersonal conflict, can contribute to an increased risk of suicide 3
• Factors that specifically affect older adults, such as declines in physical and cognitive functioning, changes in mental health, bereavement, loneliness, and lack of social connectedness, can also increase the risk of suicide 4

Co-Morbid Physical and Psychiatric Disorders

• The presence of physical illnesses only is associated with a reduced risk of suicide across all sex and age groups 6
• The presence of a mental disorder only is associated with an increased risk of suicide overall and specifically in females and those aged 70 to 84 years of age 6
• Suicide risk is lower in those with a psychiatric and physical co-morbidity and consulting mental health services 6